Friday, December 17, 2010

Superheroes and Little Babies

Cosmo and Ling have been having a blast with some crinkled up paper (thanks, Katnip Lounge for the fantastic idea!). 
Ling : I'm gonna destroy you, Paper!
Paper : Not if I get you first!

Arrrghhhhhh!!!!!  It got me!!!!  Get it off!  Get it OFF!

I'll transform to SuperLing!  Up, Up and Away!!!
Don't worry, Sis!  SuperCosmo is on the way!

Whisky : Huh?  That's called fun?  Give me a treat!  THAT is my idea of fun!
Meow-me's babies are 8 days old!  How time flies.  They have been gaining weight steadily and Meow-Me is a superb mummy.  When Meow-Me comes out of the cage to stretch, I bring her babies out as well so they get some fresh air.  I find it really strange that although being a stray, Meow-Me seem very comfortable with my husband and I.  She has absolutely no objection to me handling her babies.

The little family enjoying some fresh air

A closer look at the babies.  The white tot is pure white except for it's black tail.  I think it'll grow up to look like handsome Arthur (from Gattina) with only the black tail to differentiate them!
 

Friday, December 10, 2010

They Have Arrived!

Mew Mew Mew!!  The babies have arrived!

Meow-Me went into active labour early Thursday morning and the kittens arrived at 1:10am (Kitten 1), 1:37am (Kitten 2) and 2:14am (Kitten 3).

Kitten 1 was ginger coloured but was rather weak and it could be because it was born breech.  Although it was nursing when I left them at 3am, I found that it did not make it through the morning.  RIP little one...

At one day young.....

Kitten 2 was a fiesty little one.  It's tri-coloured which makes me think it may be a female.  Kitten 3 is pure white with a black tail (similar to the cat that I think may be Meow-Me's father).  Perhaps she was tired, but Meow-Me pretty much ignored this kitten immediately after giving birth.  The poor little thing was trying to reach the nipples but couldn't do so as Meow-Me had her legs on the cord which was still attached to the placenta.....

I decided to move the placenta closer to Meow-Me and she looked in disbelief that there was more!  But she prompty ate it and proceeded to clean Kitten 3.

Hey you two!  Mummy needs a break!!
Thank you everyone, for the positive vibes.  The birth went smoothly and Meow-Me is a good mummy to her 2 babies.

Whisky, Cosmo and Ling have been very curious about the newcomers and have pushed open the main door to visit Meow-Me and her babies in the cage.  Everytime I try to take a photo of this, they run back into the house!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Meow-Me Escapes! And A Visitor

As Meow-Me seemed content just lazing about at the fenced up portion of our porch, we often let her out to stretch.  Saturday morning was no exception.  After her breakfast, we left her outside to stretch while we had our breakfast.  15 minutes later, I looked out and she was GONE!

We rushed out to look for her in the drizzle, hoping she hadn't gone far.  We called, we jingled the food container, we looked in the drains, at the back alley but there was no sign of her.  Hubby decided to walk further while I went back hoping she had come home but nothing.  Then Hubby came running back, waving his hands frantically.  He had found her!

The little girl was in the deep drain, looking a little disappointed that we managed to find her.  We had to climb in the drain, corner her and finally catch her in the most indignified manner.  I'm surprised she didn't scratch my eyes out.  She's only allowed out under very close supervision now.
Having a much needed drink after her adventure

Meow-Me's dejected look after her failed escape attempt
While I was feeding her dinner on Sunday night, we had a visitor!  It's a cat I've not seen before.  The cat was very friendly, loud AND starving.  The visitor allowed me to stroke and even carry him / her.  I can't make out if it's male or female but it's fur is nice and clean so I think it might be a lost cat.  I gave it some biscuits which it gobbled up.  Poor thing.
It looks like an adult cat.  I think it is neutered coz I didn't see any ding dongs and it's not pregnant either.  It looks to be in good condition but just very hungry.

Friday, December 3, 2010

We're Still Waiting.....

Since Meow-Me (her temporary name) came to stay at our porch, I've been very busy getting her settled.  Cosmo and Ling are very curious about Meow-Me and look at her from a safe distance.  I'm pleasantly surprised to observe that they seem to think they had better stick together against this newcomer as they have stopped fighting with each other (this is a good thing, of course!).

Cosmo : She's not moving in with us, right?  Mummy?
Ling : SIGH!
As for Meow-Me, I gave her a quick bath today (weather was nice and hot) as she smelt pretty bad, her fur was dirty and sticky from her life on the streets plus she couldn't groom herself (especially her bottom half) because of the size of her tummy.  She was very well behaved and enjoyed being rubbed dry (she loves a lot of attention). 
The hooman gave me a bath today!  I feel so clean!
Thank you to those who responded to my SOS on caring for Meow-Me.  I appreciate it very much!  Her babies have yet to make their appearance physically but have been kicking up a storm in their mummy's tummy!  Continuous vibes for a smooth birth (when it happens!) is much appreciated!

I've not been visiting of late as I was occupied with Meow-Me but now that she has settled in, I'll be coming round!  I can't wait to read about what you guys have been up to!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Arrrghhh! Look What Mummy Brought Home!!!

Remember the stray cat who started Cosmo and Ling fighting?  Well, on Friday morning, I heard cats fighting at the back so I went out to investigate.  And I saw her in the deep drain, while the big bully was busy yowling at another cat.  The poor little thing was just sitting there, and didn't even move when I approached, either from fear or from being so heavily pregnant.  Anyway, long story short, she was starving so I gave her some stinky goodness (tuna) which she gobbled up and thanked me by letting me put her in a carrier without a fuss.

I suspect she is the offspring of the big bully (they have the same face) and probably very young, less than a year old.  And she is very close to giving birth.  She is also very friendly and has settled nicely in the cage I've put up at our porch.  She makes no attempt to escape when I let her out for a little exercise.

"I heard cats with a home are given a name.  And I would like a home.  Could you help
the hooman who rescued me come up with a name for me?"
 
"I don't know what happened....one day I was just having some fun and now I'm HUGE!"

We're going to spay her once her babies are weaned, then try to rehome her and her babies.  I was thinking of giving her a name so she can start getting used to it.  Any suggestions?

And how are Cosmo and Ling taking this?  Well, they is no noticeable change in their behaviour and I'm happy to say they have remained civil to each other and there's been no fighting for a while now (and fingers crossed it stays this way!).

I have no experience with anything pregnant and have been reading up as much as I can.  If anyone has anything to share, please do leave a comment.  It would be much appreciated.  Meanwhile, do send vibes for a smooth birth!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

More Squabblings, A Scare And A Funeral

While they do sit together, their body language (especially Ling's) show there's still tension between them
Almost 2 weeks have gone by since Cosmo and Ling started fighting.  It's a constant battle to keep the peace between them but we are getting good at identifying the first signs of hostilities and in preventing it from escalating.  They are alright most of the time though we don't find them playing or grooming each other as much as before.  There is a lot of butt sniffing, though.

On Monday night, Ling refused to sleep with us so we let her out.  The next morning, when Hubby went to the study room, Cosmo bumped his feet as usual then before he knew what was happening, they were chasing each other, pee everywhere!  We don't know what triggered that fight.....but we kept them separated all day and they were okay with each other by dinner time.

There was some tension between them Tuesday night so we made Ling to sleep with us (and she didn't protest).  When I let her out in the morning, Cosmo came in to sleep with me.  A little later, I found Ling on the floor, glaring at Cosmo.  So I quickly took him outside before he noticed it.  Breakfast helped diffuse the situation and everything seem fine for now.  It does seem to me that Ling might be a tad possessive over what she deem as hers (including us)?

It's the little red spot about 1cm from the corner of her eye
Late Saturday night, as I was saying good night to Whisky and rubbing her face like usual, I noticed a bump next to her left eye, seemingly having appeared overnight.  We took her to her vet on Sunday morning and he aspirated the lump which yielded nothing alarming.  He wasn't sure what it was, but could tell us it probably wasn't the dreaded "C" (my previous dogs had both passed away from cancer and lumps of any kind frighten me).  He wants to see her again in a month's time.  Meanwhile, I take daily measurements of the lump and am very happy to see that it seem to be getting smaller.  I hope it would be all but gone before the follow up appointment.

Rest In Peace, Gumby
Gumby, our goldfish, has had bladder issues since the day we got him.  He always look so happy despite having problems with his buoyancy, eating and swimming excitedly, albeit erratically, when we approach.  However, over the last week, he had gotten very lethargic, unable to eat, and had bloated considerably.  Over the last two days, we noticed his scales were sticking out much like a pine cone.  He had what is known as "Dropsy" where the prognosis is very poor.  After much discussion, we made the heart wrenching decision to euthanise him humanely on Tuesday night.  Rest in Peace, little Gumby.  His pal, Bumby swims forlornly in the tank now.  It's heart breaking.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Wordless Wednesday : Uh, Daddy? Wake up! Daddddeeeeee?


Mummy : Poor Daddy was sick and decided to sleep on the sofa to avoid the air-cond in the room.  I DID NOT kick him out of the room!  Hee hee.  :p

Friday, November 12, 2010

OH NO! Not Again!

Last night, Cosmo and Ling were sitting by the back door as usual while I was doing the laundry.  All of a sudden, there was a horrifying YOWLLLLLL so I ran to see what was going on.  Cosmo was all puffed up and Ling ran off.  I looked out and saw a new stray cat (our back door leads directly to the back lane).  Cosmo was yowling at the stray cat.

Ling was rather agitated from this (she had gone upstairs) and hissed when I approached her.  She calmed down when I sat with her and everything seem better.  They even ate dinner together!

Later, Cosmo was playing with me on the bed when he suddenly stopped, and then started to puff up slowly while staring at the door.  When I looked, Ling was at the door, also puffing up.  Before I could stop them, all hell broke loose, yowling and screaming along with the pee fountain (this was at 3am!).

I managed to shut the door when Cosmo ran out while Ling stayed with me for the night.  There is no change in the aggression today.  I've had to keep them separated (one stays in the room with me while the other gets the rest of the house and after a few hours, they switch places).  I did bring Cosmo into the room to sit on my lap (the both of them are their normal self when alone with me) while Ling was on her scratching post and she was furious.  Although I made sure they did not stare at each other, Ling still got into a massive hissy fit and Cosmo who was quiet at the beginning, started to growl then hiss.

Cosmo : WHO GOES THERE!

GO AWAY!!!!!!!!

I'M AFRAID AND CONFUSED!  GO AWAY!  PLEASE, JUST GO AWAYYYY!!!!

Mummy : The pictures are not meant to show that Ling is the one being difficult.  The both of them hissed at each other but I only managed to capture Ling's pictures as I was on the way out with Cosmo.  She is probably very afraid as this surely brings back awful memories of the first episode
At the moment, Cosmo is sitting right outside the door, mewing to come in and does seem like he wants to make up but he reacts when Ling starts growling then hissing in addition to the staring (who can blame him!?).  I will keep them separated for the time being.  I've read quite a few articles on redirected aggression but was wondering if anyone has had any on hand experience with it?  And how you dealt with it?

Here's some information on feline redirected aggression.

Monday, November 8, 2010

A Walk In The Park

We brought Whisky for a walk at the dog friendly park on a lovely cool windy Sunday.  We had such a lovely time and can't wait to do it again!  We're hoping to make this a weekly affair.....


Here we go!  Lallaaalaa diidii dumm dumm....

Boy.....it sure is windy today!  Heh heh....

Uh.....Mummy!  HELP!  It's REALLY WINDY!

Hello!?  I'm waiting for Mummy and Daddy to finish their lunch.

I'm so tired......I wanna go home.


Friday, November 5, 2010

Dinner Time!

Dinner time for Cosmo and Ling.....

SIT!

Waiting, as Daddy prepares their dinner

NOM NOM NOM........


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The Bed : Whisky vs Ling

The cats love Whisky's afternoon bed and here is Ling trying to get Whisky out of the bed.....will she succeed?

Nap time!  Nite nite everyone!
Ling : HEY!  Is there room for me?
Whisky : NO!  GO AWAY!
Ling : Fine.  I'll stare at you until you move.
Whisky : Oh man.  Not again.  Sigh.
Grumble, grumble, grumble.....there's just no peace.
Heh heh.  And that's why CATS RULE!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Friday, October 8, 2010

Magic Ball!

One of Whisky's favourite toy is a ball where we put treats in and she bats the ball around to get them to drop out.  She's quite an expert at it too!

I'm READY, Mummy!

Grrr Grrr Grrrrrrr!!!!.....I said I'm READY!  HURRY UP!
(Mummy : see how demanding she gets!  But all the snorting and teeth baring is for show only....)

Heh heh......Roll roll roll we go!


Monday, October 4, 2010

Cold Rainy Weather and Old Bones

It has been raining almost daily the last couple of weeks.  And Whisky's old bones are feeling it (she is 10.5 years)!  So now we let her wear a sweater (which a friend made for her) in addition to her tshirt when she goes to bed at night to help keep her warm.

Eeeep!  The sweater doesn't cover my butt!

 
Cosmo : Hahahaha!  Old bones!
Whisky : Why don't you come on down here and say that again!  I'll show you what "old bones" can do!


Saturday, October 2, 2010

Home Sweet Home

When I got home after spending 3 days at the hospital, I hid behind the car while my husband opened the door.  Whisky came out, greeted him then sniffed the air......smells like Mummy....Mummy?  Mummmy??  And when I peeked from behind the car, she spotted me and came running towards me, laughing away!

Cosmo and Ling looked from inside the house, wondering what their big sister was doing.....then they spotted me too!  Ling was a little apprehensive, but came over once she realised it was really me.  Cosmo kept head butting me and asking me where have you been?  Huh?   Huh?   HUHH?????

Cosmo : Oh Mummy......you're home!  I MISSED YOU!

Whew....Keeping an eye on Mummy is hard work!  I'm EXHAUSTED!


Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Whisky's Latest Glaucoma Update

Whisky's follow up appointment with the UPM vet was this morning.  She has been on the eye drop per the once a week schedule for the last 5 weeks.

I'm very happy to say that her eye pressure is well within the normal range and the drops are no longer needed!  What a tremendous relief!

Whisky having her eye pressure taken with the tonometer.  She is always well behaved during the procedure.

ZZZZzzzzz......on the long drive home.

Hey!  Did you hear?  My eye pressure is PERFECT and I don't need a follow up check up!  YEAHHHH!!!!!!
On another note, I'm sorry for the long silence.  I'll be going for a minor surgery tomorrow morning and should be able to return to regular blogging and visiting in another week or so.